Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Six at Six...Fifteen!

Saturday was another long run day for me! Or at least what I am qualifying as a long run in this heat. Most of my friends were running early Sunday morning. Andy's sister and her husband were coming on Saturday night and staying the night with us. I knew we would probably be up late and didn't want to go to bed early for an early run and miss all the fun. So I decided to run on Saturday morning. One of the ladies from my running group, Jacque, came to run with me. She runs a little slower than me and assured me that she would be fine if we didn't run the whole time together.

I planned a 5 mile and a 6 mile route. My plan was to run 5 miles at least...but I wanted to aim for 6 miles. I decided I would see how I was feeling during the run. To add in another mile to the 5 mile route all I had to do was run a loop in a neighborhood. If I decided on only 5 then I just wouldn't make the turn into the neighborhood. Simple!

Jacque and I ran the first 2.5 miles together before she had to slow down. I think I talked her ear off! But it made those first few miles fly by for me! Then I was on my own for the rest of the run. I was ready...I had my music and had established a nice steady pace. And I was running through a beautiful neighborhood that I hadn't run in in a long time. It was nice to enjoy some different scenery.

About 45 minutes into my run I stopped to refuel and drink some water. I downed an Apples and Cinnamon Huma Gel and then I was on my way again. (I'm still amazed how these don't upset my tummy!)

A little over halfway through the run...see how sweaty I am? Welcome to the heat and humidity of the Gulf Coast! Even early in the morning it's HOT!

Finally I made it to the neighborhood that I could run an extra mile in...or pass by and just run 5. What do you think I did? Yep! I turned into that neighborhood! The run was feeling great! And I ended the run strong!

I made it those 6 miles! Yay!!! I know 6 isn't a lot for most of you but it's a success to me in this heat! Soon I will be logging those double digit runs for half marathon training. Full time training will be here before I know it so for now I am just enjoying these no pressure runs! :-)

The rest of the day was spent with my two precious boys! I just love them! :-)

QOTD: Do you ever plan two routes just in case you want to run a little longer?